OUR PATRONS
Patron-in-Chief: Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Patron: General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC (Ret)
Patron: General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Ret)
Patron: Admiral David Johnston AC
Patron: Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret)
Patron: Lt General Susan Coyle AM, CSC, DSM
Patron: V.Adm. Ray Griggs AO, CSC (Ret)
Patron: Lt General JJ Frewen AO, DSC (Ret)
ABOUT ACT VETERANS RUGBY
If you're 35 or older and would like to play rugby in Canberra, join us every three weeks (or so) for a friendly game at Portsea Oval, RMC Duntroon and post-match social drink at Mercure Hotel.
We have raised over $800,000 for our charities of choice; Legacy, the George Gregan Foundation, Menslink as well as Clare Holland House and the Paediatrics Unit of the Canberra Hospital thanks to our sponsors. We look forward to continuing to support these people as we put our bodies on the line against a variety of Defence Force teams in charity matches. Not bad for a group of blokes who just want to run around and have some fun!
If what we do sounds interesting or the idea of rediscovering (or finding for the first time) your love of Rugby is something that you’ve been meaning to do something about, come and see us at training every Wednesday evening at Kapyong Field, RMC Duntroon or see our fixtures for game dates and join the fraternity that is ACT Vets Rugby.
To find out more details on enjoying a match or 20 every season with a group of like-minded ex and current rugby players from in and around the ACT either drop by or email: enquiries@actvetsrugby.org.au
Laws
The laws for ACT Veterans Rugby are those as writ by World Rugby with the following amendments:
You must be at least 35 years of age at time of kick off to play.
There is no kicking outside the 22 metre line in general play.
Scrums are not contested. There is no pushing in the scrums. The ball must be passed from the base of the scrum.
A ruck is formed when at least one player from each team is in contact, on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground. This means as soon as an attacker binds with a defender the ball is retained by the attacking team. However, a defender may attempt to poach the ball until a ruck is formed and, in the process, they may be pushed off the ball by an attacker.
You may only cross one unbroken line (e g. Try line, 22 or halfway) when running with the ball. This means to score you must receive the ball within the opponent's 22.
Scorers kick off to restart play after a try has been scored and there are no conversion attempts.
There are no "quick taps" from penalties.
Players wearing gold shorts cannot be tackled. Can only run 10m and score one try per game.
Players wearing red shorts can only be tackled as hard as they run.
Over vigorous play will not be tolerated.
Games will be played over three X 20 minute halves.
There is unlimited interchange.
The final score will be 9-all.
Registration
PLAYER REGISTRATION IS OBLIGATORY AND A REQUIREMENT OF OUR INSURANCE POLICY
Players can either register for the whole year or pay week by week when they are available to play. Receipts can be issued for either payment option upon request.
The registration fee is:
$160 for the whole season (paid at the commencement of the season), or
$30 per game (to be paid before taking the field).
To enquire about registering, please send an email to enquiries@actvetsrugby.org.au and we will respond with details of the registration process
The registration fee covers the cost of:
Player Insurance;*
Footballs, water bottles and associated gear; and
Laundering of jerseys.
* Please see the Quick Guide for insurance details.
The other little incentive for players to pay a full year's registration 'up-front' is that the opportunity to play in the 'Curtain Raiser' for a Brumbies’ home game of the Super Rugby season at Canberra Stadium (when applicable) will only be available to those players who have paid their full year’s registration before, or at, the first ACT Vets game of the year.